Effectiveness of Left-Sided Surgical Ablation for Patients with Atrial Fibrillation Concomitant with Cardiac Surgery

Aims: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common heart rhythm disorders. The study aimed to identify the effectiveness of surgical ablation of the atrial fibrillation substrate in cardiac surgery. Materials Methods: From January 1, 2016, to July 1, 2019, 46 procedures of left atrial surgical ablation of the atrial fibrillation substrate were performed in patients with paroxysmal, persistent, and longlasting persistent AF based on the State Institution Scientific and Practical Medical Centre of Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine . The control group consisted of 23 studied patients. Findings: In most patients, recovery and retention of the sinus rhythm were observed throughout the entire time after the surgical intervention. 25 (56.8%) such patients were registered after three months, 30 (68.2%) after six months, 28 (63.6%) patients retained a sinus rhythm 12 months later and as a result of further observations. 7 (15.9%) patients have a persistent AF, 5 (11.4%) patients have a typical atrial flutter, 1 (2.2%) was diagnosed with a rhythm disorder in the form of left atrial flutter, 1 (2.2%) - with a persistent multifocal atrial tachycardia. During the first 36 months after the procedure, some patients have recurrent AF. 15% of patients require restoration of the sinus rhythm by electro cardioversion and consultation of an arrhythmologyelectrophysiologist to select antiarrhythmic therapy. Conclusion: The rationality and effectiveness of surgical ablation of the atrial fibrillation substrate in cardiac surgery were determined.